Teen counselors wrote girls’ names on their bodies during deadly Texas flood
Two Camp Mystic counselors describe their harrowing experience during the Texas floods, detailing a desperate measure taken to ensure campers could be identified.
Teen counselors at Camp Mystic made the painful decision to write campers’ names on their own bodies as devastating floods swept through Texas, killing at least 107 people and leaving many more missing.
Silvana Garza Valdez and María Paula Zárate, teenage counselors at Camp Mystic, faced an unimaginable situation as floodwaters surged into their campground along the Guadalupe River. With more than 750 children attending the Christian summer camp, the counselors struggled to keep calm amid the rising panic and confusion.
Speaking to Mexican news outlet NMas, María Paula described the moment when she and Silvana realized they needed to take drastic steps to ensure the children’s safety and identification.
“We started to write our names on our skin, anywhere visible,” María Paula explained. “We did the same for the girls, writing their names somewhere easy to see.”
This action was a desperate last measure, taken in case the children or counselors were separated or swept away by floodwaters—so rescuers or families could identify them later.
“Put on a happy face”
Even as the waters continued to rise, counselors were instructed to protect the campers from fully understanding the danger. Silvana recalled how they were told to act calm and cheerful to prevent panic.
“We were told to put on a happy face so we wouldn’t scare the kids,” Silvana said.
Yet, beneath this forced calm was a growing fear about whether help would arrive in time. When evacuation finally began, chaos erupted among the young campers.
“All of the girls started to go crazy,” Silvana shared. “Some were crying because they didn’t want to leave. Others wanted their parents. It was awful.”
Many of the campers did not immediately understand the gravity of the disaster, as they didn’t have access to their cell phones and had not been told about the deaths. Even Silvana herself admitted she didn’t fully realize the scale of the tragedy until they were safely evacuated.
A community mourns
The devastating flood has deeply affected the community. Camp Mystic issued a statement expressing grief and gratitude:
“Our hearts are broken alongside our families enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly,” the statement read. They also thanked first responders and community members who risked their lives to help.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed on Tuesday that five campers and one counselor remain missing, while Kerrville spokesperson Jonathan Lamb reported the last live rescue was days ago.
Massive rescue operation ongoing
In response to the disaster, Texas Governor Greg Abbott mobilized over 1,500 state workers to assist with ongoing search and rescue operations.
As rescuers continue their grim task, many families across the country anxiously await news, hoping against hope for positive outcomes.
The counselors’ difficult choice to write names on their bodies serves as a stark reminder of the desperation faced in crisis situations. Now, as rescue efforts continue, the community braces itself for answers, struggling to heal in the wake of unimaginable loss.
